Straw Hat Cafe (Ghibli Museum Cafe) — Restaurant in Tokyo

The Straw Hat Cafe at the Studio Ghibli Museum is a delightful extension of the enchanting experience within the museum itself. After spending hours immersed in the art and magic of Studio Ghibli, stepping into this charming cafe felt like a seamless continuation of the whimsical journey.

The cafe's ambiance captures the spirit of Ghibli perfectly, with decor that reflects the warmth and creativity found in the films. The cozy atmosphere invites you to relax and take a moment to unwind. It’s adorned with charming details and artwork that resonate with fans, making it a lovely spot to reminisce about the exhibits you’ve just explored.

The menu offers a selection of delicious, thoughtfully crafted food and beverages inspired by Ghibli’s beloved films. I tried the themed dishes, and each bite was a treat! The presentation was delightful, and it was clear that the staff took great care in creating a menu that reflects the playful and artistic nature of Studio Ghibli. I also indulged in a refreshing beer, which was a nice treat after enjoying the museum for hours. It added a relaxing touch to my visit, allowing me to unwind while soaking in the cafe's enchanting atmosphere.

One of the highlights of my visit was enjoying a cup of tea and my beer while gazing out at the beautiful surroundings of the museum. The cafe has large windows that provide lovely views of the garden, allowing you to soak in the serene atmosphere. It was the perfect way to relax after a day filled with inspiration and wonder.

The service at the Straw Hat Cafe was friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. The staff seemed genuinely passionate about the Ghibli spirit, which added to the warmth of the cafe.

In conclusion, the Straw Hat Cafe is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Studio Ghibli Museum. It’s more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s an integral part of the Ghibli experience, offering a moment of respite in a magical setting. If you’re a fan of Ghibli films, this cafe will leave you feeling even more connected to the enchanting world created by Hayao Miyazaki and his team. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal or a drink in this wonderful space — it’s the perfect way to cap off your visit...

The museum café is located on a second level. You can go from the ground level, walk over, and take the stairs. Or, you could go to the second floor of the museum, and walk across a little bridge. It is a bright yellow building with red awning, door, and windows, you won’t miss it.

It was a bit rainy on that day, so they had a tent right outside the entrance so that the people waiting in line won’t get wet. It was a long line… We waited maybe one hour standing, before we could get to waiting area with chairs. We waited another half hour or so in the waiting area.

They have books for you to read and kill time while waiting, which was nice. Also, the staffs come our often to let everyone read the menu beforehand, so that once we are seated, we can order immediately. They had this cute little pig on in the wait area, which contains mosquito repelling incense. Since the museum and the café is sitting inside a large park, they had lots and lots of mosquitoes… While we were standing in line, I got bitten by mosquitoes like crazy. If you are loved by mosquitoes like me, bring a bug spray with you!

The inside was very spacious with high ceiling and lots of natural light coming in from everywhere. They had large space, with tables and chairs placed away from each other so that they are not crowded in there. Even though less seating equals longer wait, but I really liked the peaceful atmosphere.

We got some drinks and food, which were all much better than I expected. The portion was big, quality was high, and staffs were polite and friendly. The only issue was that we wanted to order so many things but our stomach couldn't handle... So, after the lunch, we walked aroudn the museum for few hours, and then went back for afternoon desserts. The wait was as long as before, but it was all worth the two visits to the café. Read my full review of the restaurant and food on my food blog,...

Lets be honest : is the "Straw Hat Café" the best restaurant in Tokyo ? No. Is the food itself worth the 1 hour wait you will most likely have to endure ? Again, no. So why dud I like it and why should you consider to have your lunch here ?

Well, first of all, if you came to the ghibli museum in the morning, you will notice that the visit goes pretty fast ! Having an opportunity to sit down, fill you stomach and enjoy the ghibliesque ambiance a little while longer is a very pleasant experience. The food in itself, I must insist, is not groundbreaking and it's a bit more expensive than restaurants usually are in Japan (although, to be fair, they're super cheap), but it's simple, good, fulfilling and organic (!). As long as you don't have other thing to do afterward that may stress you, the waiting time (although, don't get me wrong : is IS long) is completely bearable : you'll spend the first half sitting up but you'll be given the menu to think about your order, and the second half sitting on chairs where you'll have access to a bunch of children's illustration books, which is pretty cool !

We got to taste their omuraisu (fried rice omelet), their minestrone (inspired by the stew made for the air pirates in Laputa) and their strawberry cake. All three were good and we really enjoyed staying in the...